Rochester to celebrate 50 years of the iconic City Mark with major Flower Fest event at High Falls

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester is preparing to celebrate one of its most recognizable symbols with a special event designed to bring together local art, history, and civic pride. This summer, residents and visitors alike will gather in the High Falls District for Flower Fest, a one-night celebration marking the 50th anniversary of the Rochester City Mark.

Set for Saturday, June 6, the free public event will run from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. on the historic Pont de Rennes Bridge. Organizers say the evening is intended to honor not only the city’s famous emblem, but also the identity and creativity that have grown around it over the past five decades.

For Rochester, the City Mark has long represented more than a logo. Since its creation in 1975, the design has become woven into the city’s visual identity, appearing across public buildings, vehicles, local businesses, apparel, and handmade products. Its design blends two important parts of Rochester’s heritage — the water wheel associated with the city’s historic Flour City era and the five-petaled lilac tied to Rochester’s nickname as the Flower City.

Mayor Malik D. Evans said the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on how deeply the symbol has become connected to the community itself.

“Rochester’s City Mark is one of the most recognizable symbols of our community, and this 50th anniversary is a moment worth celebrating in a big way,” Mayor Malik D. Evans said. “What started as a symbol has been embraced across Rochester, showcasing the creativity and spirit that continue to define our city.”

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The celebration is expected to transform the bridge overlooking High Falls into a lively outdoor gathering space filled with music, local vendors, and public art. Artists and small businesses will showcase City Mark-inspired merchandise, including prints, clothing, handcrafted items, and other locally made products designed specifically for the event.

Organizers say the marketplace atmosphere is meant to highlight Rochester’s creative culture while giving local makers an opportunity to connect directly with the community. The bridge itself, already known for its dramatic views of High Falls and the Genesee River, will serve as the centerpiece of the evening’s activities.

Beyond shopping and entertainment, Flower Fest will also include documentary screenings exploring the history behind the City Mark and its evolution over the years. The films are expected to examine how the symbol moved from a municipal design into a broader cultural icon embraced by generations of Rochester residents.

Live music performances are also planned throughout the evening, helping create what city officials describe as a festival atmosphere focused on celebration and local pride. While the event commemorates the past, organizers appear equally focused on showcasing the modern creative energy that continues to shape Rochester today.

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The evening’s finale is expected to provide one of the most memorable moments of the celebration. Flower Fest will conclude with a drone show above High Falls featuring imagery inspired by the City Mark. The aerial display is being promoted as a signature visual tribute created specifically for the anniversary milestone.

The event is being produced for the city by Bella Events Group, which is coordinating vendors and festival activities. Organizers noted that any vendor wishing to sell City Mark-themed merchandise must first secure official rights to use the symbol in their products.

Although Flower Fest is planned as a one-time commemorative event, city leaders hope it will leave a lasting impression. For many in Rochester, the City Mark is not simply a graphic design from another era. Over 50 years, it has evolved into a symbol of hometown identity — something instantly recognizable to residents and deeply connected to the city’s story.

As the anniversary approaches, Flower Fest is shaping up to be more than a birthday celebration for a logo. It is becoming a public reflection on Rochester itself — its history, its creativity, and the pride people continue to carry for the city they call home.